Dynamic positioning systems have become a must-have feature in recent years, making it far easier for skippers to keep their boats on the same heading or in the same exact spot. This technology makes boating a lot easier for people who, for instance, must pass through a series of opening bridges before heading out to do some coastal cruising. In the past, waiting in a crowded waterway for each bridge to open could be a nerve-wracking challenge. With dynamic positioning, the stress of waiting in place vanishes with the push of a button.

Now, Dockmate—makers of wireless remote controls that skippers can use to control the boat from pretty much anywhere on board—has added dynamic positioning to its products. The new feature is called the Dockmate Positioning System.

The Dockmate Positioning System has two modes, for use in open water and close quarters. In open-water mode, DPS uses the engines to keep the boat in its target position. In close-quarters mode, DPS uses the engines and the bow and stern thrusters to keep the vessel in its target position.

“We have spent a significant amount of time and research over the years to ensure that the Dockmate remote control system provides boaters with the best control of their vessels in some of the more stressful situations like docking and close-quarters maneuvering,” Dirk Illegems, president of Dockmate, stated in a press release. “Whether you are entering a marina or waiting for a bridge or lock, holding your position while stepping away from the helm can be just as important as having fingertip control when pulling into a dock. Our customers have been looking for a dynamic positioning system, and we are happy to deliver.”

Dockmate says this system is driven by a unit that includes a compass, accelerometer and gyroscope. A receiver is installed within the vessel, and it connects to Dockmate GNSS antennas that are installed on the hardtop.

The product is designed for installation on any vessel with at least two engines, and with Dockmate-compatible engine and thruster controls. The operating range for Dockmate with the standard antenna is about 165 feet, and an antenna extension cable can be ordered to increase range to more than 500 feet.

How long has Dockmate been in business? Since 2012 in Belgium, and since 2018 in the United States. The company warranties its products for three years.

Take the next step: click over to dockmate.us

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Raymarine has inked a deal with Rhode Island-based NorthCoast Boats to provide navigation equipment and YachtSense digital switching for the builder’s full line of 2024 model-year boats, including the flagship NorthCoast 415HT that is expected to become available this fall.

“We are very excited to be able to provide NorthCoast with every component for its flagship 415HT’s electronics suite, as well as for all future builds across their product line,” Grégoire Outters, general manager of Raymarine, stated in a press release. “NorthCoast has long been regarded as a premium yacht manufacturer, and their 415HT is going to go above and beyond by offering the smartest boating experience ever.”

The NorthCoast 415HT will have a helm with two Axiom 2XL 19-inch multifunction displays and a RMK10 remote; RealVision MAX 3D sonar with CHIRP DownVision and SideVision sonar; a Cyclone 110-watt, 4-foot open-array radar with CHIRP pulse compression and beam-sharpening technology; and an AR200 that supplies GPS position, compass heading, pitch and roll data to Axiom chartplotters. It can also (when combined with the onboard FLIR M364C multispectral marine camera and CAM300) use video-stabilization capabilities to enable ClearCruise Augmented Reality features.

What does Raymarine’s YachtSense digital switching do? It’s a modular backbone that supports control of the vessel’s systems, with lighting, pumps, hydraulics and HVAC all integrated for touchscreen control.

Take the next step: go to raymarine.com

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Raymarine’s Element Series of combination sonar and GPS displays is promising lifelike sonar imaging for coastal boaters and anglers.

Each display includes Raymarine RealVision 3D and the manufacturer’s new HyperVision sonar technology. RealVision 3D provides bottom imagery and more precise location of fish targets, while HyperVision enhances the DownVision, SideVision and RealVision 3D sonar, allowing anglers to see structure, vegetation and fish with lifelike detail.

The displays run on a new LightHouse Sport operating system and incorporate Raymarine’s RealBathy real-time sonar map generator capability.

“With the new Raymarine Element series, we are making our most advanced sonar technology and intuitive user experience available to a larger audience of recreational boaters,” Jim Cannon, president and CEO at FLIR Systems, stated in a press release.

How big are the displays? The Element series comes in 7-, 9-, and 12-inch models. Look for them to be available in early 2019.

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FLIR Systems has announced Evolution Release 4, the most significant update to its Raymarine Evolution Autopilots. Evolution R4 is designed to add accuracy and responsiveness of control for sailing and powerboats alike.

The Evolution R4 upgrade expands the system’s 9-axis EV sensor core with algorithms that improve the accuracy of measured wind conditions for better steer-to-wind control. The R4 upgrade also adds Evolution TrackIQ for steer-to GPS waypoint tracking.

“With our advanced Evolution heading and positioning technology, Raymarine autopilots have set a new standard for accurate and responsive autopilot performance in the boating industry,” Gregoire Outters, vice president and general manager of FLIR Maritime, stated in a press release.

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Simrad’s GO7 XSE multifunction display is now being used by a fair number of boaters, and the manufacturer says the early reviews are strong. Specifically, boaters are citing the unit’s value, versatility and ease of installation.

“I use it as a GPS, fishfinder and to monitor the instrumentation that would normally be on your console,” one user wrote of the 7-inch unit. “Why have all those gauges and instrumentation, when this product does it all, and serves as your GPS and as your fishfinder?”

Simrad is also now shipping the first units of its GO5 XSE, a unit with the same sonar and navigation technology as the GO7 XSE.

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The iNavX marine-navigation app has been released in version 4.7.4. It includes a more fluid and user-friendly presentation, along with X-Traverse chart lists that update in real time. Background tracking and recording also have been improved.

“Information stream must be delivered faster than the speed on the boat, not slower than the speed of your internet connection,” Shaun Steingold, CEO of NavX Studios, stated in a press release. “With the latest version of the app, we deliver and then some.”

iNavX can integrate with external GPS, AIS receivers and transponders, and networked instruments. The app also can display GRIB weather forecasts.

Find the iNavX app in the Apple Store or go to the iNavX website.

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Digital chart

Researchers from Cornell University are testing a device that can differentiate between real and fake GPS signals — and that could help protect yachtsmen against GPS hackers at sea.

The researchers are using the 213-foot Kusch White Rose of Drachs for experiments in the Mediterranean, departing out of Monaco and cruising around Italy. Here are their early results, as well as a few important things to know about GPS hackers:

• A device that produces false GPS signals is called a “spoofer.” It can fool not only yachts, but also other GPS-enabled entities, including a mini-drone that scientists “hijacked” for government officials in 2012 at a missile range in New Mexico.

• Tests this summer have included planned “attacks” on the yacht’s GPS receiver, attempting to overlay a fake signal atop the real one and send the boat off course.

• The new, second-generation detector was able to recognize the “spoof” signals before the yacht moved about 70 feet off course.

• Goals for the third-generation devices include being able not only to pinpoint false signals, but also to verify true position.

• The superyacht experiments will be explained fully at the Institute of Navigation’s ION GNSS+ conference this fall in Florida. Until then, learn more at www.cornell.edu.

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Operation Waypoint

(St. Augusta, Minn.) Operation Waypoint, a Minnesota-based, non-profit program administered by the St. Augusta American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 621, announced today the broadening of its program from a state and regional focus to national in scope with its new website, gpsfortroops.org.

Fully run by dedicated volunteers, the program is committed to increasing the safety of military men and women deploying to the Middle East with the guidance of highly accurate, handheld GPS units and mapping cards for Iraq and Afghanistan. Since its inception, Operation Waypoint has relied heavily on its partnership with Lowrance, a leading GPS navigation systems brand, to provide GPS products and charts to soldiers preparing to serve, as well as generous donations from service and social organizations, and numerous individuals to fund the effort. The redesigned Operation Waypoint website will build awareness for the organization’s work, making it easier for visitors to donate and encourage other organizations to become partners in the project to provide GPS devices for soldiers in their own communities.

Operation Waypoint was started in 2005 by retired educator Ed Meyer after a former student, preparing for deployment to Iraq, contacted him to ask what type of GPS unit would be best for his mission. As the military only provides one GPS device per unit, which is usually mounted in a vehicle, Meyer contacted a friend at Lowrance, requested three GPS handheld devices, and trained the company commander and two former students how to use them. Shortly after the soldiers arrived in Iraq, while traveling at night, their 24-vehicle convoy took a wrong turn into a very dangerous Baghdad neighborhood following the lead truck’s Army-issued GPS unit. Realizing the mistake, the convoy commander called Sgt. Gaylen Heacock, one of the soldiers equipped with a Lowrance GPS supplied by Meyer. Heacock’s device determined the correct route and was able to guide the convoy to safety. Upon hearing of how the Lowrance units aided in safety, Meyer worked through the American Legion Auxiliary and Post 621 to broaden the idea into a full not-for-profit program.

“Our goal is to spearhead an even larger movement where communities nationwide can directly support our troops in a very meaningful way,” said Meyer. “I believe that every soldier that feels a GPS would aid them in their mission in the Middle East should have one with them.”

With the enhancement of GPS accuracy and advanced features, today’s GPS units are even better suited to the challenges often seen by the military than when the program began. Operation Waypoint provides soldiers with Lowrance Endura Safari handheld GPS units that contain a precision GPS+WAAS antenna with 42-channel receiver and 3-axis magnetic compass to ensure troops have pinpoint accuracy for proper guidance or calling in air support when needed. The combination of the touchscreen, simple menus, and the ability to control one-handed or with gloves, keeps usability fast and seamless. However, the most important benefit is the ability to store up to 2000 waypoints for areas of safe passage, suspected insurgent buildings, and other items that are marked and identified with any of 193 different icons and then shared between GPS units over time or added to satellite maps.

“The [GPS] unit helped insure the safety of crews while running convoys through the worst part of Iraq,” said Sgt. Heacock. “It’s helpful in pinpointing causality evacuation points and points of hostile action.”

To date, Operation Waypoint is responsible for delivering over 200 handheld devices into the hands of deploying soldiers. The St. Augusta American Legion accepts donations for Operation Waypoint and purchases its Endura Safari handheld GPS units directly from Lowrance. Lowrance also provides permission for the organization to copy and encrypt its Middle East mapping onto locally sourced microSD cards. While more work, this avoids packaging and operational overhead costs that would normally be seen by a manufacturer. Once the GPS and mapping cards are prepared, each participating soldier is personally trained on the GPS and mapping prior to his or her taking it overseas.

“Each Lowrance GPS and chart card costs $115 after corporate discounts are factored in,” continued Meyer. “Unfortunately, there are still times when we can’t purchase enough units. I have even given my personal GPS away, because I can’t imagine turning down a brave solider. The challenge, as with most non-profits, is maintaining enough donations to support the program effectively.”

Operation Waypoint seeks to grow nationally by working with other American Legion Posts and organizations with a goal to provide a GPS unit to every deployed unit. For more information on Operation Waypoint, to make a donation or learn about other ways to support the organization’s work, please visit www.gpsfortroops.org.

About GPS For Troops: Based in St. Augusta, Minnesota, GPS For Troops is a non-profit organization dedicated to building Operation Waypoint, a program that provides GPS handheld devices to American soldiers serving in the Middle East to ensure the safest possible deployment. www.gpsfortroops.org

About Lowrance: The Lowrance® brand is wholly owned by Navico, Inc., a privately held, international marine electronics company. Navico is currently the world’s largest marine electronics company, and is the parent company to leading marine electronics brands: Lowrance, Simrad and B&G. Navico has approximately 1,500 employees globally and distribution in more than 100 countries worldwide. www.navico.com

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In the past couple of years, though, navigators have been able to get precise true heading information via GPS compass systems, which compare the time of arrival of carrier wave signals from a minimum of five GPS satellites at two or more antennas separated by a known distance. Since the radio frequency used for GPS satellite transmissions is quite high, 1575.42 MHz, a wavelength is only 190 mm, allowing systems to be quite compact.

As with gyrocompass-derived heading information, the data from a GPS compass is free of the many errors inherent in all magnetic sensing systems. Unlike the gyrocompass, a GPS-based system requires no routine maintenance, consumes a minute amount of DC power and is ready for use only a few minutes from power-on. A GPS compass is also immune to gyrocompass errors, especially those that occur when navigating at high latitudes.

That makes these clever devices perfect for yachtsmen, the target audience for the new JRC America JLR-10. It combines a GPS-derived true heading system with a full-capability GPS navigator.

The JLR-10 uses two antennas, with their centers separated by 500 mm and positioned on a rail-like metal mounting bracket. The assembly weighs only 3.2 kg and mounts easily on a standard antenna mast.

Its electronics combine the known position of the GPS satellites with the difference in the time of arrival of their signals at the two antennas to compute the true heading of the longitudinal axis of the antennas. Although the information can be extremely accurate, a change in the position of the antenna caused by the boat’s motion degrades it. In addition, momentary blockage of the signal path from a satellite or group of satellites can degrade or even interrupt the calculation of true heading.

For these reasons, the GPS-derived heading information is electronically combined with information about the motion of the vessel supplied from a set of solid-state gyroscopic sensors housed in the system’s central processor module. This method of combining information from two complementary sources of data is well proven and widely used in other heading sense systems, including the gyro-assisted flux detectors used with many autopilots.

The system utilizes standard GPS information. An optional DGPS sensor can be plugged in, enhancing the precision of fixing your position, but at this writing, the system does not make use of WAAS information. The JLR-10 doesn’t really need a differential correction or WAAS to provide precise heading data, but anyone who relies on it for navigational as well as heading data will appreciate the DGPS interface.

My evaluation of the JLR-10 included temporarily installing the system on my boat. Only three units comprise the system: the bar-like antenna, which is supplied with the two GPS antennas in place; the processing unit module, which must be installed in a protected location belowdecks; and the display/control unit, which is housed in a waterproof enclosure suitable for use in a totally exposed location.

The installation was fast and straightforward, with the exception of the unusual stiffness of the two coaxial cables that carry signals from the antennas to the processing unit. In addition, these cables are fitted with high-quality but large connectors and may be difficult to install on some boats. If you have to snake the cables through tight spaces, you will have to remove the connectors and reconnect them at their terminus. JRC explains this procedure in detail in the instruction manual that comes with the JLR-10.

A word of caution: The connectors are not inherently waterproof and must be carefully sealed against moisture, using self-bonding tape in accordance with the precise instructions in the manual. This is standard, since waterproof connectors are large and impractical for many yacht installations.

The 2.9-kilogram processing unit requires a space measuring 400 by 320 by 177 mm, including adequate access for cabling. Since the processor module contains the solid-state gyro sensors, the normal installation position is in line with the vessel’s longitudinal axis, the connectors facing aft. However, almost any other orientation can be accommodated provided the installer enters the orientation information into the installation error page of the heading menu.

The control unit measures only 197 by 117 by 70 mm and may be flush-mounted or positioned on the quick-release, tilting mounting bracket that comes with the JLR-10.

A set of eight buttons and a rotary/push-to-enter knob flank the control unit’s high-visibility monochrome LCD screen. All control functions are intuitive. You use the rotary knob to move through the setup pages and eight display modes-Heading, Position, Navigation, CDI, Plot, Waypoint, Route and Status S/F.

The JLR-10 calculates and displays ship’s heading to one-tenth of a degree, and position information to three decimals. I found the mechanical detents of this control to be a bit light, making it fairly easy to overshoot the setting I wanted, especially when I was operating it in a seaway. This is common with rotary knobs, and resting the heel of your hand on the monitor to stabilize it generally solves the small problem.

With the exception of commanding a soft or hard reset of the navigation system, each control button performs a single function. The system can store as many as 499 waypoints defined by latitude and longitude or by bearing and distance from a known geographic location. Waypoints are stored by memory location number and may be assigned an identifier of up to five letters/numbers. Route navigation memory can store as many as 20 routes of up to 199 waypoints.

Although English is the default language of the JLR-10, it can display data in six additional languages. Heading data can be supplied to a companion JRC radar in NSK format at an update rate of 20 milliseconds, providing a performance improvement for the radar’s ARPA function.

Provisions are also included for communication with an external computer, allowing unlimited expansion of the capacity for waypoint storage and track plotting. However, there is no built-in geomagnetic world map, the lack of which prevents GPS-derived heading information from being presented as magnetic headings. If you are accustomed to using true headings, this doesn’t matter.

At the present time, only JRC and Furuno (Electronics, March) market a GPS compass in the United States, but other manufacturers are likely to follow suit as the marketplace warrants.

Price of the JLR-10: $4,295.

Contact: JRC America, Inc., (206) 654-5644; www.jrcamerica.com.

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The Meridian Color passed the dummy test-I had it up and running without having to consult the owner’s manual. The process of entering waypoints wasn’t immediately clear (I had to press GoTo to begin), but once I figured it out, I had no problem.

The Meridian Color’s menu-driven logic includes a map setup page that allows you to select north up, course up or track up. You can also customize map details and track options. A “land/marine option toggles chart colors. Curiously, I found the land setting easier to work with in the Bahamas. For example, it differentiated between landmasses and deep water better than the marine setting did. Nav brings you to compass- and highway-style graphics, with customizable data boxes that display information ranging from bearing to rate of turn. The unit’s 12-channel WAAS receiver acquired satellite data and provided the boat’s position-without me leaving the saloon.

The Meridian Color comes with a map of North America, which includes nav aids and reasonable detail regarding towns and major roadways. MapSend BlueNav charts providing greater detail for areas such as the United States, the Bahamas and Europe are available on CDs. The disks allow you to transfer data to the Meridian Color as many times as you wish. You can access, however, only one area at a time, and only one memory card can be used per CD. This is not unreasonable, though, since the charts cover a lot of water.

I went with the CD ($169, in this case). While Magellan offers blank memory cards up to 64MB, the 32MB card ($55) is probably your best bet for use with CDs, since the largest marine chart on the one I worked with was about 24MB. I downloaded the chart for the northern-Bahamas area, covering Walker’s Cay to the Berry Islands, and later, the chart for the Florida Keys area, covering Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas. Transferring each to the Meridian Color took about 20 minutes. Chart detail, which includes soundings, nav aids and information regarding marinas, fuel facilities and food stops, is impressive. While I worked with the greatest level of map detail, the busy Florida Bay chart took an average of eight seconds to refresh. A heads up: If you’re using a memory card, you may find that detail of the internal map of North America is minimized.

Loading the information onto your PC allows you to work with charts, waypoints and routes using either the Meridian Color or the PC, as well as transfer files in either direction. While entering waypoints on the PC is convenient, the Meridian Color’s keyboard is so easy to use that it’s a toss-up. I found it easier to plot my course on the PC’s larger screen first.

The internal memory handles up to 500 waypoints and 20 routes with 30 legs each, which you may also store on a memory card or your PC. For transferring data, the Meridian Color comes with a data cable and nine-pin serial connector. If your computer does not have a serial port, Magellan also offers a USB adapter.

The 8-ounce Meridian Color is crash resistant, waterproof and coated with a rubber armor that makes for comfortable singlehanded operation. It floats, according to Magellan, but I did not launch it. It uses two AA alkaline batteries that should last about five hours when the unit’s backlighting is on and up to 13 hours without backlighting. An external power cable is available. The 16-color LCD display measures 2.2 by 13/4 inches and has a resolution of 120 by 160 pixels. Though small, it presents data and charts brilliantly in low and moderate light. In direct sunlight, colors were a bit washed out, but performance was otherwise good.

Like many of today’s handhelds, the Meridian Color is designed for not only those wandering the water, but those exploring the woods and roadways. This results in some compromise. I would trade the vertical profile, data about phases of the sun and moon and the fishing/hunting page for tide tables or an electronic compass.

These gripes did not dull my passion for the Meridian Color. I spent this past summer aboard in the Bahamas and Florida Keys, and the unit performed flawlessly. I’ve been in love before, but this time it’s going to last. Price: $500.

Contact: Thales Navigation, (909) 394-5000; www.magellangps.com.

Click here to buy Magellan products.

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